Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Art Gallery of New South Wales
5
Lower Level 3
Established in 1874, the art gallery has occupied its present
imposing building since 1897. Designed by the Colonial
Architect WL Vernon, the gallery doubled in size following
1988 building extensions. Two equestrian bronzes -
The
Offerings of Peace
and
The Offerings of War
- greet the
visitor on entry. The gallery itself houses some of the finest
works of art in Australia, with permanent collections of
Australian, Aboriginal, European, Asian and contemporary
art. The Yiribana Gallery is the largest in the world to
exclusively exhibit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art
and culture. Free guided tours take place daily, covering
Aboriginal art, highlights of the collection or major exhibitions.
Mars and the Vestal Virgin
(1638)
This oil on canvas by Parisian painter Jacques
Blanchard (1600-38) depicts Mars's encounter
with a Vestal Virgin, who subsequently gave
birth to Romulus and Remus, founders of Rome.
Sunbaker
(1937)
Max Dupain's iconic, almost abstract,
Australian photograph of hedonism
and sun worship uses clean lines,
strong light, and geometric form. The
image's power lies in its simplicity.
Sofala
(1947)
Russell Drysdale's
visions of Australia
show “ghost” towns
laid waste by
devastating natural
forces such as
drought.
GALLERY GUIDE
There are five levels. The
Upper Level has the Rudy
Komon Gallery for tempo-
rary exhibitions, which are
also held on Lower Level 1. The
Ground Level has European and
Australian works, 20th-century
European prints are on Lower
Level 2 and the Yiribana Aboriginal
Gallery is on Lower Level 3.
STAR EXHIBITS
. The Golden Fleece
by Tom Roberts
.
Pukumani Grave
Posts
Ground Level
